The MRC@25: The Worst Media Bias of 2004

Since September 2, NewsBusters has been showcasing the most egregious bias the Media Research Center has uncovered over the years — four quotes for each of the 25 years of the MRC, 100 quotes total — all leading up to our big 25th Anniversary Gala next week.

Click here for blog posts recounting the worst of 1988 through 2003. Today, the worst bias of 2004: CBS’s Morley Safer eulogized Ronald Reagan by saying “I don’t think history has any reason to be kind to him;” the New York Times asks George W. Bush if he feels “personal responsibility” for 9/11; and Dan Rather finds “exclusive” documents regarding Bush and his Vietnam-era service in the National Guard. [Quotes and video below the jump.]

“Let’s talk a little media bias here. The media, I think, wants Kerry to win. And I think they’re going to portray Kerry and Edwards — I’m talking about the establishment media, not Fox — but they’re going to portray Kerry and Edwards as being young and dynamic and optimistic and all. There’s going to be this glow about them that some, is going to be worth, collectively, the two of them, that’s going to be worth maybe 15 points.”
— Newsweek Assistant Managing Editor Evan Thomas on the July 10, 2004 Inside Washington.


 

“I don’t think history has any reason to be kind to him.”
— CBS 60 Minutes correspondent Morley Safer recalling Ronald Reagan on CNN’s Larry King Live, June 14, 2004.


 

“Two and a half years later, do you feel any sense of personal responsibility for September 11th?”
— New York Times reporter Elisabeth Bumiller to Bush at an April 13, 2004 news conference.


 

“CBS News has exclusive information, including documents, that now sheds new light on the President’s service record. 60 Minutes has obtained government documents that indicate Mr. Bush may have received preferential treatment in the Guard after not fulfilling his commitments.”
— Dan Rather leading off the CBS Evening News, September 8, 2004.
 

Check back each morning for more classic bias quotes, or visit our “25th Anniversary” section for the entire collection.